Category Manager, Strategic Procurement Programs

POSITION SUMMARY

The Category Manager Buyout leads Vertiv’s Buyout/Drop Ship Procurement Program, overseeing commercial execution, supplier engagement, cost negotiation and process governance across multiple category projects.
This role ensures buyout transactions are cost-competitive, compliant with established thresholds, and aligned with Vertiv’s strategic goals for margin improvement, visibility, and supplier performance.

The position serves as the primary bridge between Application Engineering, Offering Management, Procurement, and Strategic Suppliers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Execution

• Manage the end-to-end Buyout/Drop Ship Process across multiple categories.
• Ensure smooth RFQ flow, quote validation, cost negotiation, and pricing accuracy in ERP and ETO systems.
• Assess and optimize the current buyout process, ensuring successful implementation of the updated approach across multiple categories.

Supplier and Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as the central liaison between Application Engineering, Procurement, Offering, and Service teams to streamline quoting and delivery.
• Drive source selection and execute e-sourcing for buyouts in close collaboration with the Applications Engineering team.
• Engage suppliers for timely, competitive quotations and improved lead-time visibility to align with customer order timeline.
• Collaborate with service teams to uphold Vertiv’s high standards for installation and service quality as the primary escalation contact for buyout products.
• Maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers.

Commercial and Analytical Oversight

• Collaborate and maintain Power BI dashboards to track cost performance by supplier and project.
• Support financial targets, including established annual savings and margin improvement.
• Conduct e-RFQ, e-Auctions for price check and market competitiveness.
• Collaborate with the global team to develop and execute regional strategies to enhance Vertiv’s market position.

Process Governance and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain compliance with the buyout process in the ERP system, including expiration rules and price revalidation.
• Lead quarterly reviews with Procurement, Application Engineering, and Offering to evaluate buyout process effectiveness.
• Identify automation or standardization opportunities to reduce manual touchpoints and RFQ delays.
• Present program savings performance summaries to the leadership team.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 4-8 years of procurement, supplier management, or purchasing experience.
• Experience in RFQ/quote-to-order processes within a manufacturing or project-driven organization.
• Excellent coordination and negotiation skills across cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical ability with familiarity in Power BI and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent.)
• Proficient in advanced Excel and data analysis.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• N/A

TIME TRAVEL REQUIRED: 

• 10%

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.  

OUR CORE PRINCIPALS:  Safety.  Integrity. Respect.  Teamwork.  Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• High-Performance Culture
• Innovation
• Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

• Own It
• Act With Urgency
• Foster a Customer-First Mindset
• Think Big and Execute
• Lead by Example
• Drive Continuous Improvement
• Learn and Seek Out Development
• Promote Transparent and Open Communication

At Vertiv, we’re on a mission to empower the people that will power the future. From a simple swipe to life-changing medicines, from push notifications to generative AI. We design, manufacture, and service the products and solutions that keep the world connected.  With $6.9 billion in revenue, a strong customer base and global reach spanning nearly 70 countries, we are uniquely positioned to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people. 

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to help.join@vertivco.com. If you are interested in applying for or learning more about this role, please visit the company’s career page located on Vertiv.com/Careers

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.